Secure Locking Hub System for Vehicle Theft Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trailer hitch coupler lock systems are vulnerable to theft due to exposed locks that can be cut or compromised, and they are not effective for securing motorized vehicles like cars, motorcycles, or RVs, as they rely on couplers designed for ball hitches and can fail over time due to torque issues.
Innovation Solution
A secure locking hub system that locks a wheel hub to an axle in a rotationally fixed position, featuring a locking ring, actuator, and security lock, allowing authorized access to switch between locked and unlocked configurations, with a tamper-proof design to prevent unauthorized movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a keyed lock is used to actuate a locking ring that locks a hub to an axle, then the vehicle can be secured against theft, but torque applied to the lock may affect reliability of the system over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: the locking ring that directly engages the axle, the actuator that moves the locking ring, and the lock mechanism that controls the actuator. This segmentation isolates the lock from direct torque exposure, as the actuator serves as an intermediary that translates lock operation into locking ring movement without transmitting torque to the lock itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator functions as an intermediary between the lock mechanism and the locking ring. When the lock is operated, it actuates the actuator, which then moves the locking ring into or out of engagement with the axle. This intermediary arrangement protects the lock from direct exposure to the high torque forces that occur during locking and unlocking operations.
2Reliability
If multiple locking hub systems are installed on individual wheels, then greater security is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking hub system is designed as a universal, modular unit that can be installed on any wheel of a vehicle. Each system is self-contained with identical components (hub, locking ring, actuator, lock mechanism), allowing multiple units to be deployed across different wheels without increasing overall system complexity. The modular design enables standardized installation and maintenance procedures.
3Reliability
If the locking ring is moved in an axial direction to lock or unlock the hub, then reliable engagement is achieved, but the actuator mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the locking ring radially or rotating it to achieve engagement, the system inverts the approach by moving the locking ring in an axial direction (parallel to the axle). This axial movement allows the locking ring's locking surfaces to engage with corresponding surfaces on the axle in a straightforward, reliable manner, while the linear motion is easier to control through the actuator mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure locking hub system for locking a wheel hub of a vehicle to an axle is provided. The system has a locking ring that may be moved between locked and unlocked configurations. When locked, the hub is in a rotationally fixed position relative to the axle on which the hub is mounted. With the hub locked to the axle, the wheel will not rotate and the vehicle thus cannot be moved. The system additionally has a security lock that prevents any unauthorized individual from unlocking the wheel hub, thereby preventing theft of the vehicle. The system has an actuator dial that covers the heads of bolts used to fasten the system together when the dial is rotated to move the locking ring into the locked configuration, which prevents unauthorized disassembly of the system.